Pickup truck with cab-over-engine and goods or passenger transport platform

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a pickup truck with cab-over-engine and goods and passenger transport platform, whereof the platform comprises at least a lowered longitudinal loading plate ( 18 ), called lower loading plate, and adjacent to each of the lower loading plates ( 18 ), at least a so-called upper loading plate ( 19, 20 ), raised relative to said lower loading plate and parallel thereto. Said platform further includes, for each lower plate ( 18 ), a longitudinal flap ( 21 ) articulated on an upper plate ( 20 ) adjacent to said lower plate and having a length not less than that of the latter, said flap being adapted to tilt between a folded position on the upper plate ( 20 ) wherein it clears the volume located above the lower plate ( 18 ) and an unfolded position above said lower plate wherein it forms a plate with each upper plate ( 19, 20 ) adjacent thereto.

[0001] The invention concerns a pickup truck with cab-over-engine andtransport platform for goods or passengers.

[0002] Current pickup trucks are equipped with a loading platformdefining a fixed effective loading area irrespective of the desiredapplications of the vehicle. Each type of pickup truck thereforecomprises a fixed loading structure which does not permit adaptation ofthe loading surface to the type of goods to be transported and/oradaptation for goods or passenger transport.

[0003] The present invention sets out to remedy this disadvantage andputs forward a pickup truck having an effective loading area that can bemodulated according to the applications of vehicle.

[0004] The invention also sets out more particularly, to provide apickup truck of the type having a versatile effective loading areaconsisting of a self-propelled road vehicle having a tare of less than550 kg (excluding storage battery for electric vehicles) and having aloading area (excluding driver cabin) of more than 3 m² for a grossweight of less weight 1 500 kg. The invention especially proposes avehicle of this type that is electrically propelled and is able to carryan effective load (excluding driver) on this load surface area of up to600 kg.

[0005] The invention particularly concerns the production of saidvehicle able to be certified in the category of so-called heavyquadricycles.

[0006] For this purpose the invention concerns a pickup truck whoseplatform comprises:

[0007] at least one longitudinal drop-level loading deck, called lowerloading plate, and adjacent to each of lower loading plates along alongitudinal direction of the pickup truck (direction of movement) atleast one so-called upper loading plate, that is raised relative to saidlower loading plate and parallel to it.

[0008] for each lower plate a longitudinal flap articulated on an upperplate adjacent to said lower plate and having a length not less than thelength of the latter, said flap being adapted to tilt between a foldedposition on the upper plate wherein it clears the volume located abovethe lower plate and an unfolded position over said lower plate whereinit forms a plate with each upper plate adjacent thereto.

[0009] Said pickup truck therefore comprises a platform which can bevery easily modulated by simple tilting of at least one flap between anopen and a folded position, possibly comprising according toconfiguration:

[0010] at least one loading plate with lowered loading level for easyloading and transport of voluminous items of sizeable height using theavailable height above each lower plate. In this configuration, inaddition, at least one raised loading plate for the transport of otheritems.

[0011] a raised loading plate of large surface area below which a bootis provided under each opened flap delimited by said flap and thecorresponding lower plate.

[0012] Also, by providing a few fittings to ensure the safety andcomfort of passengers, said vehicle can be used either to transportpersons sitting on one (or more) upper plates with their feet resting onthe lower plate adjacent to this (or these) upper plates, or for thetransport of goods arranged on each upper plate after unfolding the flapor flaps.

[0013] Also, as will be better understood below, this type of design isparticularly adapted for producing self-propelled road vehicles with lowtare (less than 550 kg excluding battery), having a large load surfacearea (over 3 m² excluding driver cabin), able to carry heavy loads (upto 600 kg) and able to be certified in the category of so-called heavyquadricycles.

[0014] Advantageously, the length of each upper plate on which a flap isarticulated is greater than the length of the lower plate over whichthis flap can be opened, said flap being articulated on said upper plateon the edge where the latter adjoins said lower plate.

[0015] Also, each lower plate advantageously comprises at least oneloading ramp articulated relative to a free end of said plate so that itcan tilt between a loading position, resting on the ground, and aposition in which it extends vertically closing the corresponding sideof the volume delimited by said lower plate.

[0016] Said ramps allow for very easy loading and unloading ofvoluminous items and also form a bodywork part in their verticalposition.

[0017] Advantageously, each lower plate is arranged in median positionbetween two upper plates, of which one is fitted with a flap able to beunfolded over said lower plate.

[0018] In addition, each lower plate then advantageously comprises twoside loading ramps.

[0019] According to one first advantageous embodiment, and according tothe invention, each upper plate is fitted with transverse andlongitudinal peripheral side racks, the transverse side rack which isadjacent to a lower plate and positioned level with an upper plateequipped with a flap able to be opened over said lower plate, beingfixed to said flap so that it can tilt with the latter.

[0020] Also, advantageously, the length of each loading ramp is adaptedto form a side rack at least equal in height to the height of the sideracks of each upper plate when the flap of the lower plate fitted withsaid ramp is unfolded.

[0021] According to a second advantageous embodiment, and according tothe invention, the platform carries a superstructure formed of bodyworkwalls forming a van.

[0022] In addition, the bodywork walls advantageously comprise at leastone access door to each lower loading plate.

[0023] Advantageously each upper plate consists of at least one bootformed by an upper wall and four vertical side walls, at least one saidwalls forming an access wall to the inner volume of said boot.

[0024] The pickup truck of the invention also advantageously comprises arear rigid tubular framework rigidly fixed to the platform and extendingbackwards relative to said platform, said framework forming a mount fora propelling engine and being encased so as to have a planar upper wallforming an upper loading plate.

[0025] Also the engine is advantageously an electric motor one of theboots being adapted to house a storage battery.

[0026] Also advantageously, this pickup truck comprises a boot adjacentto the rear framework and forming an upper plate with the upper encasingwall of said rear framework, said boot being adapted to house a secondstorage battery or a heat engine coupled to an electric currentgenerator able to charge the storage battery or to supply the electricmotor.

[0027] Advantageously, the platform and rear framework define aneffective loading area of more than 3 m² and for this purpose theplatform advantageously comprises a single lower median plate arrangedbetween two upper plates, front and rear.

[0028] Other characteristics, objectives and advantages of the inventionwill be seen in the following detailed description with reference to theappended drawings which give a non-restrictive example of a preferredembodiment. In these drawings:

[0029]FIG. 1 is a vertical, longitudinal section diagram of the chassisof a pickup truck of the invention, equipped with a first superstructureexample,

[0030]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of this pickup truck,

[0031] FIGS. 3 to 5 are perspective views of a second example of apickup truck according to the invention.

[0032] The pickup truck of the invention comprises a chassis shown inFIG. 1 formed of a platform 1 made of a sandwich structure, a frontrigid tubular framework 2 rigidly fixed to the front of platform 1 andextending forwards relative to the latter, and a rear tubular framework3 rigidly fixed to the rear of platform 1 and extending backwardsrelative to the platform. Frameworks 2, 3 are tubular in that they areessentially formed of tubes, but may incorporate other parts such asrigidifying plates, truss rods, cables, stays or reinforcement bars.

[0033] Front framework 2 is adapted to form and/or carry a cabin floorand comprises a superstructure 4 also rigid tubular to which bodyworkparts defining a cabin 5 are fixed.

[0034] Platform 1 is formed of an upper planar metal plate 6, a lowerplanar metal plate 7 of substantially similar size and shape to upperplate 6, these two plates 6, 7 being arranged so as to extend one abovethe other and are connected via a rigid lattice work of cross bars suchas 8 inserted between them and fixed to them by riveting and/or bonding.This platform 1, and hence plates 6, 7, also have the general shape of arectangular deck whose longitudinal ends are shortened however toprovide wheel openings.

[0035] Each of frameworks 2, 3 is formed of steel tubes welded and/orbolted together, i.e. it is a mechanically welded structure. The shapegiven to these frameworks 2, 3 depends upon the characteristics it isdesired to give the vehicle and the functions to be performed by saidframeworks. In the examples shown in the figures, rear framework 3serves as mount for engine 9 of the vehicle which may for example be anelectric motor. This rear framework 3 also serves to fix a certainnumber of rear bodywork parts (rear bodywork wall, wheel openings ormudguard . . . ). Front framework 2 serves as cabin chassis and definesa first boot 10 immediately at the front of the platform, intended forexample to house a storage battery 11, and a second front boot 12intended to house the vehicle's electric or electronic devices andaccessories. Boots 10, 12 are formed not only by front framework 2 butalso by thin walls in metal, wood or synthetic material as appropriate.

[0036] Each framework 2, 3 is rigidly fixed to platform 1 by rivetingand bonding. Also platform 1 is fixed to the lower part of frameworks 2,3 so as to form a median drop-level deck.

[0037] The vehicle of the invention is conventionally a four-wheelvehicle, namely two front wheels 13 and two rear wheels 14. Each wheel13, 14 is suspended relative to the chassis by a linear damper 15, 16whose body is fixed rigidly stationary to corresponding framework 2, 3.Said linear dampers 15, 16 comprising a part with translation movementrelative to the body with which wheel 13, 15 is made integral, actsimultaneously as flexible return system, shock absorbers andtranslation guide for each of said wheels.

[0038] As mentioned above, the vehicle of the invention is a pickuptrick with cab-over-engine 5, front framework 2 defining said cabin.This cabin may be fitted with any technical items for comfort,accessories required for driving the vehicle and for the transport ofone or more passengers in cabin 5 (seats, steering wheel, pedals, floor,heating windscreen, windows . . . ). Platform 1 and rear framework 3define an effective loading area at the rear of cabin 5 which can begiven numerous variants of embodiment depending upon the applications ofthe vehicle of the invention. In the examples shown, the storage battery11 is arranged inside front boot 10 and a rear boot 17 completes andcovers rear framework 3 which encloses an electric motor 9 coupled torear wheels 14. This rear boot 17 can be used to house a second storagebattery or heat engine coupled to an electric current generator able tocharge storage battery 11 or to supply electric motor 9.

[0039] Between the two front and rear boots 10, 17 platform 1 defines amedian drop-level plate 18. Front boot 10 also forms a front plate 19,raised relative to median plate 18. Rear boot 17 and rear part of rearframework 3 also form a rear plate 20 raised relative to median plate 18coplanar with front plate 13. The effective load surface area istherefore equal to the sum of the surfaces of the three plates 18, 19,20. This effective loading area can therefore be greater than 3 m² andcan take a load with a weight of up to 600 kg. Also, rear plate 20 isformed of a removable wall, which slides longitudinally for example toallow access to engine/motor 9 and the inside of rear boot 17.

[0040] Also, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the vehicle comprises a longitudinalflap articulated along a horizontal transverse axis on the fronttransverse edge of rear plate 20 and whose length is conjugate with thatof median plate 18 so that it can tilt between:

[0041] a folded position over rear plate 20 where it clears the loadingvolume located above median plate 18 (FIG. 4)

[0042] an unfolded position over median plate 18 in which itslongitudinal end fits into a transverse rabbet provided on the upperedge of front plate 19 (FIG. 5). In this unfolded position the vehiclehas an effective planar loading surface area equal to the surface areaof platform 1 and rear framework 3. In addition a storage boot isprovided between median plate 18 and flap 21.

[0043] This vehicle also comprises two side loading ramps 27, 28 eacharticulated on one of the longitudinal edges of median plate 18 so thatit can tilt between:

[0044] a loading position in which they are opened out over the groundand in which they allow easy loading of items on median plate 18,

[0045] a road position in which they extend vertically upwards so thatthey are in profile with the side longitudinal walls of front 19 andrear plate 20 and close the longitudinal sides of median plate 18.

[0046] According to the example in FIGS. 3 to 5, front plate 19 also hasa side rack 23 formed of two longitudinal side sections connected by afront transverse section.

[0047] Rear plate 20 also comprises peripheral side racks namely twolongitudinal side racks such as 24 a rear transverse side rack 25 and afront transverse side rack 26.

[0048] Also rear side rack 5 is articulated on rear bodywork parts ofthe vehicle so that it can retract and allow removal by sliding of rearplate 20.

[0049] Front side rack 26 is integral with flap 21 so that it can tiltwith the latter.

[0050] It is also to be noted that loading ramps 27, 28 have a lengththat is adapted to form side racks above flap 2 when the latter isopened out.

[0051] According to the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the vehiclecomprises bodywork walls 29 forming a van.

[0052] Also the van, at the level of median plate 18 has two side doors30 such as of roll shutter type adapted to close the space betweenloading ramps 27, 28 and the roof of said van, and enable the loading ofitems whose height may reach the effective loading height of medianplate 18.

[0053] This type of van may have a loading volume of more than 4 m³.

[0054] Evidently, based on the concept of a loading plate that canmodulated according to the invention, other types of superstructure maybe fixed to platform 1 and/or framework 3 such as a tarpaulinsuperstructure.

[0055] Also the vehicle of the invention may be designed so that it cantransport either goods or persons. The transport of passengers may beachieved with flap 21 in folded position, by arranging seating on thefree surface of the flap, the front plate 19 serving as seat and thepassengers' feet resting on median plate 18. The transport of goods isconducted with flap 21 in open position in which the vehicle has aplanar loading surface.

EXAMPLE

[0056] A vehicle of the invention as shown in FIG. 4 was produced withfollowing dimensions:

[0057] overall length 3 860 mm*

[0058] overall width 1 450 mm

[0059] The size of platform 1 was

[0060] 2 300 mm

[0061] 1 450 mm*

[0062] The total weight of the chassis of the invention (platform 1,front and rear frameworks 2, 3 dampers 15, 16, braking system, hubs andbearings) was 160 kg.

[0063] The vehicle is equipped with a 6 kW electric motor. The tare ofthe vehicle without a rear superstructure and excluding storage battery,heat engine and current generator is less than 550 kg so that it can becertified in the heavy quadricycle category. It has an effective loadsurface area of more than 3 m² and a loading volume unlimited in heightwhich may typically be 4.5 m³ for the van shown FIG. 2. It can carry aload of 600 kg at a speed possibly reaching 60 km/h. It is to be notedthat this performance is obtained when cabin 5 is equipped with allconventional items of comfort for a vehicle, namely padded seats, glasswindscreen, heating unit, air vents, complete bodywork includingarticulated side doors, . . .

[0064] Said heavy quadricycle can even be used to transport 4 to 6passengers if the effective load surface area is fitted with seating.

1. Pickup truck with cab-over-engine (5) and platform (1) for goods andpassenger transport, characterized in that said platform comprises: atleast one longitudinal drop-level loading plate (18) called lowerloading plate, and adjacent to each of lower loading plates (18) atleast a so-called upper loading plate (19, 20) raised relative to saidlower loading plate and parallel thereto, for each lower plate (18) alongitudinal flap (21) articulated on an upper plate (20) adjacent tosaid lower plate and having a length not less than that of the latter,said flap being adapted to tilt between a folded position on the upperplate (20) wherein it clears the volume located above the lower plate(18) and an unfolded position over said lower plate wherein it forms aplate with each upper plate (19, 20) adjacent thereto.
 2. Pickup truckaccording to claim 1 characterized in that the length of each upperplate (20) on which a flap (21) is articulated is greater than thelength of lower plate (18) over which this flap may be unfolded, saidflap being articulated on said upper plate on the edge where the latteradjoins said lower plate.
 3. Pickup truck according to claims 1 or 2,characterized in that each lower plate (18) comprises at least oneloading ramp (27, 28) articulated relative to a free end of said plateso that it can tilt between a loading position resting on the ground anda position in which it extends vertically, closing the correspondingside of the volume delimited by said lower plate.
 4. Pickup truckaccording to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each lowerplate (18) is arranged in median position between two upper plates (19,20) one of which is fitted with a flap (21) able to be unfolded oversaid lower plate.
 5. Pickup truck according to claims 3 and 4 takentogether, characterized in that each lower plate (18) comprises two sideloading ramps (27, 28).
 6. Pickup truck according to claim 2,characterized in that each upper plate (19, 20) is fitted withperipheral transverse and longitudinal side racks (23-26), transverserack (26) that is adjacent to a lower plate (18) and arranged at thelevel of an upper plate (20) fitted with a flap (21) able to be unfoldedover said lower plate, being fixed on said flap so that it can tilt withthe latter.
 7. Pickup truck according to claims 3 and 6 taken together,characterized in that the length of each loading ramp (27, 28) isadapted to form a side rack whose height is at least equal to the heightof side racks (23-26) of each upper plate (19, 29) when flap (21) isunfolded over said lower plate fitted with said ramp.
 8. Pickup truckaccording to any of the preceding claims characterized in that eachupper plate (19, 20) consists of at least one boot (10, 17) formed of anupper wall and four vertical side walls, at least one of said wallsforming an access wall to the inner volume of said boot.
 9. Pickup truckaccording to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that itcomprises a rear rigid tubular framework (3) rigidly fixed to platform 1and extending backwards relative to said platform, said frameworkforming a mount for a propelling engine/motor and being encased so thatit has a planar upper wall forming an upper loading plate (20). 10.Pickup truck according to claims 8 and 9 taken together characterized inthat the engine is an electric motor, one of boots (10) being adapted tohouse storage battery (11).
 11. Pickup truck according to claim 10characterized in that it comprises a boot( 17) adjacent to rearframework (3) and forming an upper plate with the upper encasing wall ofsaid rear framework, said boot being adapted to house a second storagebattery or a heat engine coupled to an electric current generator, ableto charge storage battery (11) or to supply the electric motor (9). 12.Pickup truck according to claim 11, characterized in that platform (1)and rear framework (3) define an effective loading surface having anarea of more than 3 m².
 13. Pickup truck according to claim 12,characterized in that it comprises only one median lower plate (18)arranged between two upper plates (19, 20) front and rear.
 14. Pickuptruck according to any of the preceding claims characterized in thatplatform (1) carries a superstructure (29) made up of van-formingbodywork walls.
 15. Pickup truck according to claim 14 characterized inthat the bodywork walls comprise at least one access door (30) to eachlower loading plate (18).